Scripture Central

In this episode, Dr. Lynne Hilton Wilson explores the rich Old Testament narratives surrounding the matriarchs of Israel, highlighting the faith, courage, and covenant loyalty of women in the Jacob cycle. Beginning with the well-known scene of Rebekah’s generosity in Book of Genesis—where she offers water not only to Abraham’s servant but to his camels—Dr. Wilson connects this act of selfless service to the covenant marriages that shape the house of Israel. The story then moves to Rachel and Leah, daughters of Laban, whose lives intertwine with Jacob’s through love, deception, longing, and divine promise. Through their marriages, and through the faithful contributions of Zilpah and Bilhah, the foundations of the twelve tribes are laid.

Dr. Wilson carefully examines the births of Gad and Asher through Zilpah, Leah’s handmaid, and reflects on the complex family dynamics that shaped Jacob’s household. She also addresses the wives of Esau and the contrasting covenant paths chosen by Jacob and his brother. With insight drawn from ancient context and Latter-day Saint theology, this episode brings forward the voices of these often-overlooked women—Rachel, Leah, Zilpah, Bilhah, Rebekah, and Esau’s wives—showing how their choices, sacrifices, and faith played a central role in God’s covenant story.
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The Stand Forever Series is about believing and following Christ to the end, engaged in His work, and helping others do the same.

In Episode one, we see the big picture. Few things provide greater comfort, confidence, and clarity than looking beyond present cares to see the big picture.

When we stand back, it looks like this:

1. The essential problem in life is separation from God our Father, resulting in chaos, darkness, and death.

2. Jesus Christ bridges the gap if we will believe and follow Him to the end engaged in His work and help others do the same. He is the Way offsetting chaos, the Truth offsetting darkness, and the Life offsetting death.

3. Therefore, cross the bridge and close the gap; believe and follow Christ to the end, engaged in His work, and help others do the same.

The kingdom and purposes of God will not fail but stand forever. The question is whether you will. To that end, we invite you to join us on this journey and Stand Forever.

The Lord said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

How do you do that? How do you live in a troubled world and not be troubled? How do you live in a fearful world and not be afraid?

How do you find peace?
Introducing a new original series from Scripture Central.

The Stand Forever Series is a cinematic presentation of a Christ-centered book written by Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge (Emeritus General Authority Seventy), a book that may never be published.

The book and now this series share the same title as a BYU devotional address given by Elder Corbridge in 2019, the elements of which are critical pieces to a larger puzzle. The Stand Forever Series is the larger puzzle revealing why we believe and follow Christ to the end, engaged in His work, and help others do the same.

Although this first episode is the longest and one of the last of the series, it is being released first because it is especially timely.

Subsequent episodes will be released in order every Saturday.

We invite you to join us on this journey and Stand Forever.

A downloadable transcript of this message can be found here: https://scripturecentral.org/shows/stand-forever/episodes/stand-forever-peace-let-not-your-heart-be-troubled-elder-lawrence-e-corbridge

Welcome to “Finding Christ in the Old Testament.” To view the resources connected with this episode, visit https://johnhiltoniii.com/findingchrist.
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Whether you're using this course for personal enrichment or to help with "Come, Follow Me," we hope it will be valuable in your studies.

Genesis 18–23 highlights several remarkable women whose stories, read through an LDS lens, reveal faith, covenant, and the quiet influence of righteous women in God’s plan. Sarah stands at the center: in Genesis 18 she hears the promise that she will bear a son in her old age and initially laughs, a deeply human reaction that the Lord gently turns into a lesson about divine power and timing. Latter-day Saints often see in Sarah a model of covenant partnership with Abraham—someone who grows into faith and ultimately receives the miracle promised. Genesis 19 introduces Lot’s wife and daughters, whose experiences near the destruction of Sodom show both the dangers of looking back spiritually and the complexity of preserving family in a fallen world. An LDS perspective emphasizes agency and accountability, while also recognizing the difficult circumstances these women faced.

Genesis 20–23 continues to show how women are woven into the covenant story. Sarah’s protection in foreign courts underscores the Lord’s watchful care over covenant mothers through whom promises flow. Her eventual joy in Isaac’s birth (Genesis 21) fulfills God’s word and highlights the doctrine that nothing is impossible for the Lord. Hagar and her son Ishmael are also remembered compassionately in Latter-day Saint thought: though separated from Abraham’s household, they are seen as recipients of God’s mercy and promises. Finally, Sarah’s death in Genesis 23 is treated with great honor, showing her importance as a matriarch in Israel. Altogether, these chapters present women not as side characters but as vital participants in the Abrahamic covenant, whose faith, struggles, and divine encounters still teach modern disciples about trust in God’s promises.